The Georgia Life Insurance Exam is the mandatory gateway for resident individuals seeking licensure to sell life insurance policies in the state. Successfully navigating this assessment requires thorough preparation and familiarity with the specific test structure. Understanding how the exam is constructed and what material is covered allows prospective agents to focus their study efforts effectively. This preparation ensures candidates are ready to demonstrate the necessary knowledge to comply with state regulations.
Exam Format and Duration
The Georgia Life Insurance Exam for the Life Only line of authority consists of 95 multiple-choice questions. Eighty questions are scored and directly determine the final result, while the remaining 15 are unscored pretest items used by the testing provider for future exam evaluation. Candidates must answer all 95 questions with equal attention, as they will not know which are scored. The entire computer-based assessment has a time limit of two hours (120 minutes), requiring test-takers to maintain a steady pace.
Required Minimum Passing Score
The Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner sets the standard for successful completion of the licensing exam. To achieve a passing result, candidates must correctly answer at least 70% of the scored questions. Since the exam contains 80 scored questions, an individual must answer a minimum of 56 questions correctly to meet the state’s requirement. The unscored pretest questions do not factor into this calculation; only the 80 scored items contribute to the final pass or fail determination.
Breakdown of Exam Content
The examination content is structured to ensure candidates understand both the general principles of life insurance and the specific regulatory environment within the state. Questions are broadly divided into a national section, covering core industry concepts, and a state-specific section. This approach ensures agents are technically proficient and legally compliant.
General Life Insurance Knowledge
The fundamental concepts of life insurance comprise a significant portion of the test. This section focuses on the different types of life insurance policies available, such as term life and whole life, and how they function. Candidates are tested on basic annuity structures, including immediate versus deferred annuities and various payout options. The process of completing the initial application, the principles of underwriting, and the procedures for policy delivery are also covered.
Policy Provisions and Contract Law
This area of the exam covers the mechanics of a life insurance contract and the legal aspects governing it. Detailed knowledge of various policy provisions, such as the incontestability clause, the grace period, and reinstatement options, is expected. The role and implications of different policy riders, beneficiary designations, and settlement options are also assessed. This segment ensures agents understand the contractual obligations and rights of all parties involved in the insurance agreement.
Licensing, Regulations, and Ethics (Georgia Specific)
The Georgia-specific portion of the exam focuses on the state’s statutes and regulations governing the industry. Candidates must be familiar with the provisions of the Georgia Insurance Code, primarily Title 33, which outlines the rules enforced by the Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner. Topics include agent duties, prohibited trade practices, and the requirements for maintaining an active license. Understanding the state’s rules on advertising, replacement of policies, and unfair claims practices is necessary to ensure ethical and lawful conduct.
Registration and Testing Day Procedures
Candidates must first complete any required pre-licensing education before registering for the state exam through the testing vendor, Pearson VUE. Registration is performed online, and a fee, often around $67, must be paid at the time of scheduling. On the day of the examination, test-takers must arrive at the testing center at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled appointment time for check-in. Candidates must present two forms of valid identification, including a government-issued photo ID with a signature. Testing centers enforce security protocols, prohibiting personal items such as cell phones, notes, unauthorized calculators, and bags from being brought into the testing room. Failure to adhere to the arrival time or ID requirements may result in denial of entry and forfeiture of the exam fee.
Next Steps After Passing the Exam
Passing the state exam is a prerequisite but does not automatically grant the license. After receiving a passing score report, candidates must submit an electronic application for a license through the Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner, typically using platforms like Sircon or NIPR. The application requires payment of a license fee, often $120 for a new resident license, and a mandatory background check involving electronic fingerprinting through an approved vendor. Applicants must also submit a notarized Citizenship Affidavit Form attesting to lawful presence in the U.S., along with verifiable identification. Candidates should initiate the application process promptly, as the examination score has a validity period that must be respected.